Firearm safe storage: I know what I think, what do you think? Banning slaughterhouses in Denver? Bad for food prices and supply.
Done right, firearm safe storage could offer a way to reduce suicides while still respecting our right to privacy and keeping/bearing arms.
I have written extensively about the intersection of guns and public health and, while much of that I find concerning because I fear it will be used as an excuse for further erosion of our rights and yet more restriction on law-abiding gun owners.
At the same time, however, I've also said more than once that I do think there is some reasonable role for public health to play in gun control and one of those roles is public awareness. Awareness, in the case you can read about below, in terms of discussing suicides and/or safe storage of firearms.
Safe storage of firearms refers to the practice of someone storing their firearms away from themselves during a time of crisis. For example, it might refer to someone who has a known history of depression and suicidal ideation choosing to have their guns stored elsewhere if they feel a depressive episode coming on.
Done poorly, I see this fraught with all kinds of problems.
Done correctly, I think this could be a help to some. That is, it could be a low-risk way to save a life or two with little consequences for gun rights.
What is "correctly" to me?
It's voluntary and a decision made by the owner of the firearm.
It's private. That is, no record is required to go to any government agency if someone does this.
There is no requirement other than showing an ID to get your firearms back.
There is liability and legal shielding for the party that chooses to store the weapons.
What do you think? Do you have any concerns about this? If you might be okay with it, what restrictions (besides mine) would you put on this?
https://www.cpr.org/2023/11/02/safe-gun-storage-could-reduce-suicides/
Update on the Denver ballot initiative to make any slaughterhouses or meat processing facilities illegal in the city.
The article below updates an initiative I've posted on in the past. Quoting the article including its embedded links:
"The measure titled 'Prohibition of Slaughterhouses' would outlaw 'the construction, maintenance, or use of' any meat processing facilities in Denver beginning January 1, 2026, as well as 'require the city to prioritize residents whose employment is affected by the ordinance in workforce training or employment assistance programs.'”
Ah, another "just transition" for those that the government rips away their business and/or employment. In case you wonder how those go, ask someone in NW Colorado who will or has lost their job.
Right now the measure is at the stage where the signatures are being verified, so we're not sure if it will make the ballot.
Oh, and lest you think that things like this might not have much effect, I mean it's Denver after all not Ft Morgan right?, I would point you to the screenshot attached from the article.
I'll update as I hear more. If this is a passion for you, I'd recommend that you short-circuit this loop and make looking in on Complete Colorado (esp page 2) a habit. These folks are doing some good work on breaking local stories from a conservative perspective; bringing news you will not see in mainstream, left-leaning outlets.
https://pagetwo.completecolorado.com/2023/11/07/signatures-turned-in-measure-banning-meat-processing-in-denver/
Related:
A well written op ed by Mrs. Gabel as to why this slaughterhouse provision is dunderheaded policy.
If you don't live in Denver but know someone who does, share the link with them.
https://denvergazette.com/opinion/columns/column-outlawing-denver-slaughterhouses-is-a-step-toward-food-scarcity/article_0f0559d9-0161-53a5-895b-67c8bc4195b9.html